Piastri’s pathway, Leclerc’s piano passion, Pierre’s new perspective + more best bits of 2023

Dec 13, 2023, 12:01 AM

Red Bull’s revolutionary race car, McLaren’s miraculous transformation and Aston Martin’s sensational rise.

On F1 Beyond The Grid in 2023, the stars behind the biggest stories of the season have sat down with Tom Clarkson to reveal the secrets behind their success and share fascinating insight into what life is like as a Formula 1 driver, Team Principal, engineer, designer, and more. In this end-of year special, Tom picks his favourite moments from a long list of stellar guests.

Oscar Piastri underlined his credentials as a future Grand Prix winner with arguably the most impressive rookie season since Lewis Hamilton in 2007, but did you know the Australian’s route to F1 began in the same way as Lewis? Hear how Adrian Newey, the genius behind Red Bull’s record-breaking RB19, began designing at the age of 11. And listen to Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur explain how he handles the pressure of making the most successful Constructor in the sport’s history champions again.

Also featured are some F1 heroes from the past – including multiple World Champions Alain Prost and Sir Jackie Stewart. The clips in this episode come from the full episodes listed below.

Thank you for listening in 2023. F1 Beyond The Grid will return in 2024.

Adrian Newey, legendary F1 designer 
Andrea Stella, transforming McLaren 
Lando Norris, driving McLaren’s revival 
Oscar Piastri, remote control racing to F1 rookie
Daniel Ricciardo, dreaming of a ‘perfect’ Red Bull return 
Liam Lawson, thrilled but ‘unfulfilled’ by F1 debut
Pierre Gasly, wanting to win again in 2024
Sir Jackie Stewart, 50 years a triple World Champion 
Alain Prost, 30 years since the ‘most difficult’ season 
Heinz-Harald Frentzen, Germany’s F1 cult hero
Sam Michael, engineering his rise to the top of F1
James Vowles, aiming to win with Williams 
Fred Vasseur, pursuing the ‘pinnacle’ with Ferrari 
Charles Leclerc, 2nd isn’t enough 
Giancarlo Fisichella, history with Ferrari, Force India and Fernando Alonso
Dan Fallows, directing Aston’s rise 
George Russell, happier, hungrier + ‘holding his own’ with Hamilton